We aren't regular members here anymore now that they are in Winnetka since it's not as convenient…read morefor my kids, but occasionally I call for tutoring when my kids need extra help on a concept or want to review before a test. My 2 older kids had tests this week and asked me to book sessions with the House so i called and they were able to set my daughter up with Silas and my son up with Emmy at the exact times I wanted. That alone is a win! We've used many of their tutors (Kyle and Young to name a few) at this point and they've said great things about all of them. Silas and Emmy were no exception and helped them review for their math tests. I also received notes from each of them a few days later recapping how the session went, which is super helpful for a parent. When my kids attend New Trier at the Winnetka campus I could see us resuming our membership, but in the meantime it's a great option for sporadic tutoring.

This place is such a great concept for kids. It gives them the freedom they need to get their…read morehomework done and ask for help, have a safe place to hang out with friends, awesome tutors, and best of all my son looks forward to being there.

I've nothing but great things to say about Academic Approach. They took a very personalized…read moreapproach to working with my student and we had great results. We did one on one sessions. They were flexible when we had conflicts, but kept us on track.

Very pricey and average instruction. My daughter did not…read morethink it was worth the money and we stopped going. There are many other cheaper and more effective alternatives (Princeton Review, One to one) and that is what worked for us. The 3 hours of tutoring for $600 was not worth it for us

My math loving first grader used to beg me to go here wherever we would pass by it on our way to…read moreOnce Upon a Bagel. So last October thought I'd make his wish come true and took him and his big sis for an assessment. He thought it was super fun (again, loves math). Big sis thought the assessment itself was a bit torturous, but was all about coming back once she learned that you could win prizes for completed worksheets. Days after their initial assessment I chatted with Chris about their needs and the mathnasium program. I really wanted to sign up, but between their busy schedules, my crazy work schedule & having to schlep their little brother one more place I didn't think I'd be able to get them there enough to make the cost worth it (approximately $700/month total for the 2 of them). Six months later I found myself reaching out to Chris after being underwhelmed with their e-learning experiences during Covid-19. They had both come so far in math this year and didn't want them to lose these skills. While going to the mathnasium center cleary isn't an option right now they developed an online platform that I was interested in trying. Since it had been 6 months of learning Chris suggested a re-assessment. The platform itself seems to work just fine, although logging in multiple kids from the same family can be a bit tricky at first. It took me 20 min to get them set up, but then they got to work...and were done 1-1.5 hours later with their assessment. Chris followed up the next day with their scores and we chatted later that week in detail. I signed both kids up and while you have the flexibility to decide when they go during their open hours, I've picked consistent times on MWF afternoons for both kids. As of now they don't open until 12pm during the week so we've been doing 1:30pm appointments. It's fine, but mornings would be more ideal since we prefer to get our learning done earlier in the day...and play all afternoon. They've done a week of sessions now and seem to be enjoying it...even my daughter who doesn't love math. They really enjoy working with one of the tutors, Logan, and the majority of the morning in my house is now spent bickering on who is going to be the lucky one to work with Logan. Today they both scored big with Logan as their tutor- whoo hoo! My daughter can be especially particular when it comes to who her teacher is and Chris said he would put a note in her file that she prefers Logan, which was very appreciated. I'm really happy I signed them up and think it's just what both of them needed on top of the e-learning they are getting from the district. I can even send their homework to Chris and he makes sure the tutor works with her on it. I also think the online platform works well and would maybe even consider continuing this way post Covid-19 since it's one less ride (although how I do miss my carpool days!). The price is fine right now since my kids are going pretty often, but when life returns to normal I'd love to see them offer a punch card. I think it would be great to keep up with their math skills during the summer and beyond, but know more than once a week won't be possible once we're thrown back into our busy lives. I'd also love to see them come up with an online prize program to incentivize the kids (beyond working with Logan of course :)). They are apparently keeping track of worksheets to get physical prizes once the center reopens, but there's no reason they can't or shouldn't partner with a local business now for ice cream, donuts or anything else that gets those math minds working. Like everyone else they are just trying to figure out the virtual world so I imagine this will happen if they continue virtually for much longer. Overall, highly recommend for anyone who's looking to get their kids extra math practice or challenge them. Thanks to Chris, Logan & the rest of the mathnasium team for keeping my kids thinking during this crazy time.

Been vibing at Mathnasium for 5 years it's cool and it's good for math. I'm a child so I would knowread more

I have attended the Institute's Advanced Literature classes for the past four years and have…read moreenjoyed them a lot. The classes are small and relaxed, the teachers ,engaging, and the books, culled from a broad spectrum of french literature . My fellow classmates are all enthusiastic francophiles who enjoy honing their language skills in a congenial setting. I would highly recommend this school.

What a gem on the North Shore! My daugher is attending her 4th year (first grade). We've been…read moredelighted by the professional administration, excellent and caring teachers, small class size, and for the opportunity for our child to be bilingual. It works! Pricing is private, but very competitive among French Schools country-wide. My only surprise is that not more people take advantage of this little school. My advice: check it out!

Chicago Academic has been a amazing for our family. We have three children who have worked with…read moretheir tutors. CA has brilliantly helped all of our children. My 7th grader works with an experienced, engaging executive functioning coach who has successfully improved his organizational and study skills. He's understands better how to study, plan and prepare. His teachers cannot believe how much better he is doing in class. These are the skills he will carry through high school. Our other son, a sophomore, is being helped in his AP Biology class by another brilliant tutor. The tutor is actually an M.D.! He is engaging, supportive and patient. Our son simply cannot wait for their meetings. Additionally, our oldest son, now at Duke University, completed CA's ACT test prep program two years ago. Their method and system are very well constructed. He worked extremely hard with his instructor and raised his score 6 points. I continue to be thoroughly impressed by CA's tutors, customer service and extremely professional staff. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a high end boutique tutoring service.

We have used Chicago Academic for 10 years. I have 4 children who all used their services. We have…read morehad tutors in every subject possible. We have had tutors come for an emergency paper at the last minute. They have arranged phone calls for when we had trouble and we out of town. Whatever we have needed they have exceeded our expectations of a tutoring company. My college aged son came home for break and needed to get some work done. He walked into Chicago Academics newest facility The House and was jealous that his brother had such an awesome place to do work and hang out. I would definitely recommend their services to anybody.

We've been attending MIC (Lake Forest campus) for about 3 years now and are big fans. The director…read moreand support staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and my son absolutely loves his teacher. I have no doubt that has been a big part of his motivation to play. In that sense, the initial meeting with the director was a real home-run for us (when you're a new student, you go through an intake meeting). It was all about my son, what his interests were, what instruments he liked, had he considered this?, etc. My son ended up deciding on a different instrument than expected (or perhaps that mom had been interested in), and as noted above, the teacher match the director made was spot-on. Some other things I really like about MIC... the fact that tuition includes a separate music reading class. This is obviously very important, and it's great that students get extra attention in this area. I also like the sense of family at MIC. Not to discount independent music teachers, but it's really nice to be part of a larger organization; I feel like this instills an even greater appreciation for music (not to mention the fact that students at MIC & family have access to special events throughout the year).

I had two boys that took piano lessons here for 5 years. Teacher dropped us (scaling back his…read moreschedule, was the reason) and I was told someone would be getting in touch with me to work out a new teacher. No one ever did. Not only that, but I contacted Clark (the Winnetka director) on numerous occasions over the summer to try and get a new teacher for them. He never bothered to return emails or phone calls. After 5 years of being a part of this school - 5 years of paying tuition - this is how they treat me? I contacted the director of the whole school - Mark George - and explained what was going on. Even he didn't have the courtesy to contact me personally. He passed my info along to his assistant who barely apologized for what had happened (and never offered an explanation). Then she quickly tried to sign us up for more lessons. Really? Clueless.

Irresponsible staff with lame excuses . My child came home with bruises . We tried to talk to the…read moreschool coordinator by taking an appointment. She was a total disappointment. We tried talking to her. She kept staring at her computer, never even once looked at us. Her response was-- everything is child's fault. Abhorrently rude and aloof staff. This place is a punishment for little ones.

This review is long overdue! I can't believe that I am the first person to review this fabulous…read morepreschool. The Park District's Early Learning Center is a play based program, but with a structure that provides consistency and predictability for children, preparing them VERY well for kindergarten at South School. The teachers are experienced, compassionate, warm and bright. The provide social-emotional coaching to the kids in their care, helping them learn to assert themselves, express their feelings, organize their thoughts and learn in a safe, comfortable environment. And they really do LEARN about so much while they are little students here. They do gross and fine motor activities which complement their weekly topic. Some examples of topics for 3 year olds: circles, mittens, community helpers, flowers, leaves....their acticities all touch back to that basic idea they are trying to help the kids understand (ie making a robot out of squares, making a leaf with clay, making and painting a mittwn and turning it into a lacing card). My daughter was in the 4s and they expand on this same structure but in more detail and learn about authors, illustrators, artists, animals, jobs.... and yet the children are also encouraged to play, relax, and enjoy their introduction to education. The teachers are trained educators who care about the children in their care and are passionate and patient. They take the time to help even the littlest kids with anybstruggles that come up along the way. I can't say enough good things. I encourage you enough to take a tour, meet the teachers, and see how happy these classrooms and children are. I have loved my children's teachers and I love this school.

I had the chicken noodle soup and the chicken is the driest thing I've ever had and they always run…read moreout of almost everything.

To me New Trier is a very good school. I wish I took more advantage of the school instead of…read moreslacking off. They had tons of things to keep you occupied and the teachers were very good. At the time I never appreciated being there but now I wish I could go back and re do and re check my attitude. I do wish the school was a bit more diversified but it wasnt a big deal. Aside from the "north side snobs" the school all in all was a very good one.

I've been hearing murmurings of Kid-Motion for months now and finally asked a mother in my…read moredaughter's ballet* class what it was all about. Another mother overheard and said "You don't know about Kid-Motion? You must be new in town because EVERYONE goes to Kid-motion. Kid-motion day is my kid's favorite day." Mom #1 agreed that Kid-Motion was pretty special and recommended I sign up for January as soon as possible since the classes tend to fill up quickly. I went home feeling guilty I"ve been denying my almost 3 year old of "kid-motion day" and emailed them letting them know I"d be interested in signing up my daughter for the next session starting in January. It was our lucky day because minutes later I received an email that there was a spot in the 2 1/2-3 year old class and we could start next week. Hooray! I listed Kid- motion under "pre-school" here on Yelp, but it refers to itself as a movement program. For my daughter's class it's a 2 hour drop-off, which is pretty awesome since most of the classes at her age are 30 minutes (aka: way too short for mom to get anything done!). Each week has a different theme - this week they learned about pumpkins cause of halloween, which my daughter has decided is her favorite holiday (i'm sure soon to be replaced by her upcoming bday). When my daughter got home she came running into my home office (my next review will be for a locksmith:)) to tell me all about pumpkins and show me her "fridge worthy" picture of a pumpkin. For my daughter's age they spend 65 minutes in the gym where there's lots of equipment that you'd find in a kids gymnastics studio (rings, low balance beam, etc) followed by 55 minutes in the playroom where they do more typical pre-school activities (ex: art, play with water, playdoh, parachute, snack etc). Kate and Lois are my daughter's instructors and they seem very patient and capable, which is probably why so many people are raving about Kid-motion. And I don't blame all the children for being such fans. I'd like my own version of adult-motion day! * http://www.yelp.com/biz/baby-take-a-bow-winnetka

Mary and Kate are remarkable and have created a program known around the North Shore as the gem of…read moreWinnetka. An absolute must for parents with young children who are looking for something special for their children a couple days a week.

Two of my kids attended here. This is a wonderful daycare and preschool. Teachers are dedicated,…read moreknowledgeable and loving. Staff is cordial and helpful. The director is great at managing the morale and maintaining community. Kids have lots of outdoor play time. I highly recommend.

If you are looking for a loving, trustworthy center for your child to attend daycare, this is the…read moreplace! Both of my children were here from 3 months to 3 1/2 years. Watching them grow and learn while under their care was an amazing experience. The staff is so friendly, the teachers are loving and communicative, and my kids truly blossomed as a result. We love CCDC!